Monday, May 23, 2011

Chronoscrimines (Timecrimes)

All the way back in 2007, Timecrimes was the second film I reviewed.  The darling of Fantastic Fest that year, I consider it the best time travel movie I've ever seen.  It's just so tight.

I didn't expect to get it in my Netflix queue.  They have some sort of problem with the second disc of season three Dexter, and so rather than continue with that I jumped way down on the list to bring me a repeat favorite.  Fortunately I convinced my wife to watch so I could share in the enjoyment of something new through her mind.

I missed some awesome films.  It's just hard to tell what will shine.  But I'm proud to say I was at the world premiere of Nacho Vigalondo's first feature film, and it was truly amazing.  Rent this when you can.  (As always I recommend subtitles and the native Spanish, to pick up the intended nuance of speech.)

Chronoscrimines (Timecrimes)
2007, 88 minutes, directed by Nacho Vigalondo

Saturday, May 21, 2011

The Patriot

As I would expect, had I ever cared enough to ponder, this made-for-feel-good movie hits every cliche it can.  Of course he gives all for his country in its fight for freedom.  Of course there's a former slave who earns the respect of his white brethren.  Of course his biggest nemesis is a tangential character who can be dealt with without upsetting the historical balance.

It was all there, but the substance - the meaning - was gone.

The Patriot
2000, 165 minutes, directed by Roland Emmerich